Definition
The airspeed during the takeoff roll at which the pilot applies back pressure on the controls to raise the nosewheel off the runway and establish the airplane's takeoff pitch attitude. VR is published by the airplane manufacturer for transport-category and many high-performance airplanes, and is calculated to ensure the airplane can safely lift off and climb away after reaching the appropriate liftoff speed.
Plain English
The speed during the takeoff run at which the pilot pulls back on the controls to lift the nose off the runway.
Context Anchor
Seen during takeoff planning, before-takeoff checks, and the takeoff roll when the pilot is watching the airspeed indicator.
Derivation
The 'V' comes from the French 'vitesse,' meaning speed — the same convention used for all V-speeds in aviation. The 'R' stands for rotation, referring to the airplane rotating about its lateral (pitch) axis as the nose comes up.
Why Pilots Care
Reaching VR at the right point ensures the aircraft lifts off safely within the remaining runway while maintaining adequate climb performance after liftoff.
Intuition Check
Rotation does not mean the airplane is turning left or right. Here, it means pitching the nose up for liftoff.
Example Sentence 1
The pilot called out 'rotate' as the airspeed indicator passed VR, and smoothly applied back pressure to raise the nose.
Example Sentence 2
For this airplane the published VR is 58 knots under the current weight and conditions.